Scouting Profile: Arizona State WR Jaelen Strong
Get an in-depth look at the top prospects in this year's draft class leading up to the NFL draft, which takes place from April 30 to May 2 in Chicago.
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Jaelen Strong
Position: WR
School: Arizona State
College Experience: RS Junior
Height: 6-2
Weight: 217 lbs.
Age: 21
Combine Results
| Event | Result |
|---|---|
| 40-yd Dash | 4.44 sec |
| Bench Press | N/A |
| Vertical Jump | 42 inches |
| Broad Jump | 123 inches |
| 3-Cone Drill | N/A |
| 20-yd Shuttle | N/A |
Strengths
- Projects as a reliable possession receiver due to strength at the catch point and ability to come down with the ball in contested situations.
- Combines leaping ability, body control and ball skills to high-point and win jump balls over opposing defensive backs.
- Possesses a solid frame that plays into his ability to box out defenders and make difficult catches.
- Has experience lining up at several positions, producing at a high level both outside and in the slot.
- Solid runner with the ball in his hands, using physicality to pick up extra yards after the catch.
Weaknesses
- Ran an impressive 4.44-second 40-yard dash at the combine, but doesn't play to that speed on the field.
- A lack of short-area quickness sees him struggle to create separation in his routes, resulting in more contested situations than necessary.
- Will need to run more precise routes to counter separation concerns against the tighter coverage he's certain to face in the NFL.
NFL player comparison: Anquan Boldin
Strong may play at a speed somewhat slower than his 4.44 40-yard dash time would suggest, but that doesn't mean he can't be a highly productive NFL receiver.
With an impressive frame and the kind of ball skills that see him catch everything in sight, Strong compares to current San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin, whose physical play and ability at the catch point have long made him one of the NFL's most consistent pass catchers, as evidenced by his seven 1,000-yard seasons.
Ideal fit: Cleveland Browns
Though Cleveland managed to add two veteran wide receivers in Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline in free agency, the future of the position remains a significant question mark.
Consequently, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Browns target Strong with their second of two first-round selections, adding a potential long-term foundation piece to a passing game that's been one of the NFL's least productive of late.
Draft projection: 1st Round